VARANASI EXPERIENCE
This is a city which is like no other place on earth. While it is up to date with touch screen phones and other gadgets, it is like walking back in time, perhaps 150 years. The ghats span the whole East side of the city, and sprawling westwards from there are the alleyways which house generations of families carrying on and upholding the traditional way of life fast slipping away from the main cities of the country.
The place where Saints, who have temples named after them, walked the very same slabs as exist today. Some believe that Shiva, Vishnu and Parvati also walked these same walkways. Is it any wander then that bhakti, devotion and ritual is still so strongly prevalent here?
Music is a strong part of these rituals and devotional life. The Laws of Manu state that song expediates sin. A Japa-yajna (repetition of mantra) is said to be 10 times more meritorious than a Vidhi-yajna (ritualistic sacrifice). The muttering of a mantra in a low or inaudible tone is 100 times more meritorious, and a Manasa Japa (said internally) is 1000 times more than that. Song is said to be the most meritorious as Pranava, the sacred sound of the Universe, is synonymous to Brahma.
Another term for Varanasi, is Banaras. “Bana’ is the root of the verb to make and “ras” means juice; essence; sap. So Varanasi is also known as the place which is made up of the pure essence of life. It also denotes the core sentiment or emotion and is also the name of a whole theory of Indian aesthetics. Varanasi today, truly lives up to this name, if you know where to look.
Click the link to get a little of the vibe: BanaRas~by Natasha Nandini
Due to the success of our last 4 tours we are planning another for February 2024 
Varanasi Spiritual Tour 4th – 11th February 2024
This tour is a journey of personal self cultivation. Amongst Hindus it is the optimum place to die in order to receive instant salvation. As the city of death it is the place to be rid of that which no longer serves you. I have seen how everyone who comes receives exactly what they need. While on one level it is a collective experience (for we are all participating in the same events) deeper, below the surface, the city and its energy meets you precisely where you are in the field (of your consciousness).
The musical heritage of Varanasi has its roots deeply embedded within the idea of self cultivation and worship to a higher power. For this reason you will be exposed to musical and dance events during your time here.
The musical system has evolved over the centuries, and although there have been many treatises, theories and attempts to catalogue this vast system, the true nature of music, itself being undefinable, lies within the lives of the musicians themselves. It is they who embody the tradition within them, through an unbroken thread of oral teachings passed down from Guru to disciple and it is in their natural habitat that you will witness them and their art.
We will be staying south of the city, a minute or so walk from Assi Ghat, on the Ganges, where subah – e – banaras is held (this is daily early morning worship of the sacred Ganges followed by classical morning concerts open for all). A new hotel, one of the few which offer tranquility inside while being in heart of the hussel and bustle.
You will be taken to get local attire, if needed, as we will visiting people who, although are familiar with the Westerners and their ways, will respond much better to those who are respectfully dressed and who pay attention to cultural observances.
Our list of people to visit may include renowned musicians or dancers, pandits and Vedic professors who will, in their own way, offer a unique incite into the ways of living in this enigmatic city.
We will meet them in their homes where we will be able to hear their music and gain access to their traditional ways of living. While some may not speak English they all speak the universal language of the heart. This is the essence of true Banarsi life which extends to their art form, their food and their over all joyful way of living.
Of course there are the ghats and the holy men, and temples of high vibration which will be visited too. Some will be well known temples but there will be those off the beaten track that need a visit.
Lunch will always be arranged in a clean restaurant dependent on our location at that time.
As this city belongs to Lord Shiva, the famous Shivratri celebrations are taken very seriously here. They happen on a monthly basis for the local devotees. It can be an all night affair and we will have the opportunity of participating. I have celebrated this ritual with those who have been keeping the it for over decades and this year you will be able to join in if you would like.
I hope to show you a hidden side of this city. Gems which are hidden for most sparkle for those who go the extra mile. Just take note, this is not a retreat with pool, for this is the city of eternal life!
Full itinerary is included here.